Is God In Control?

Greetings Summit Faith Family members,

It seems as though the world is filled with uncertainty these days. The situation in Iraq does not seem to be improving at a measurable amount. It appears the current presidential race has generated more anxiety than confidence. It seems as though the current candidates are spending more time talking about each other than they are spending time talking about the issues facing our nation. According to experts, the economy is as fragile as it was prior to the downturn a few years ago. One portion of the country is experiencing extreme drought while another section is being flooded with extreme rain. With all of this uncertainty, it is possible some are beginning to wonder if God is still in control.

I can imagine the nation of Israel was tempted to entertain the same thoughts when they were being taken into bondage. And yet the messages of the prophets warned them of such events should they refuse to return to being obedient to God. One prophet in particular, Habakkuk, communicated the plan God would put into motion as a response to the unfaithfulness of Israel.

In the first chapter of Habakkuk, the prophet questions the patience of the Lord in allowing the unrighteousness of Israel to continue. The response God offers unveils that the Nation of Israel would be taken into bondage by the Babylonians, which is exactly what happened. I would be surprised if the Nation of Israel did not wonder how they could be taken into bondage if God was in control. After all, they were the chosen people of God. Is it possible that what is happening in America is the result of our unfaithfulness to God? Rather than wondering if God is in control, maybe we should be asking ourselves why God is allowing these things to happen.

God revealed to the apostle John in Revelation that He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. (22:13) We understand that phrase to mean that God is eternal, has always existed and will always exist. The first chapter of Genesis reminds us that God has created everything that exists, including man. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (1:1) The writer of Hebrews records that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. (13:8)

The point is that God is in control, no matter what is happening in our lives or in our world. As the creator of the universe, nothing catches God by surprise and nothing is too big or difficult for Him to take care of. In fact, everything that happens is a part of His master plan for mankind. The greatest thing we can do is have faith in Him, trust Him in and through everything, and continue to be faithful in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to those with whom we are able to connect.

Is God in control . . . . absolutely!!!! Are we being faithful? Does not that seem to be the more appropriate question.